“Looks like what drives me crazyDon't have no effect on you--But I'm gonna keep on at itTill it drives you crazy, too.”

“Though you may hear me holler,And you may see me cry--I'll be dogged, sweet baby,If you gonna see me die.”

“I've been scared and battered. My hopes the wind done scattered. Snow has friz me, Sun has baked me, Looks like between 'em they done Tried to make me Stop laughin', stop lovin', stop livin'-- But I don't care! I'm still here!”

“Words Like FreedomThere are words like FreedomSweet and wonderful to say.On my heartstrings freedom singsAll day everyday.There are words like LibertyThat almost make me cry.If you had known what I knowYou would know why.”

“Humor is laughing at what you haven't got when you ought to have it.”

“Down Where I AmToo many yearsBeatin' at the door--I done beat myBoth fists sore.Too many yearsTryin' to get up there--Done broke my ankles down,Got nowhere.Too many yearsClimbin' that hill,'Bout out of breath.I got my fill.I'm gonna plant my feetOn solid ground.If you want to see me,Come down.”

“Good morning, daddy!Ain't you heardThe boogie-woogie rumbleOf a dream deferred?Listen closely:You'll hear their feetBeating out and beating out a -You thinkIt's a happy beat?Listen to it closely:Ain't you heardsomething underneathlike a -What did I say?Sure,I'm happy!Take it away!Dream BoogieHey, pop!Re-bop!Mop!Y-e-a-h!”